Which Astros will we see in 2011 outfield?

We’ve talked a little bit in the last few days about some possibilities for a third/fourth outfielder from outside the system. Despite how many games Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence play and despite perhaps some infield uncertainty, there are still likely to be five outfielders on the team.

A lot of the decision-making should have to do with what’s done with the other spots.

There could be a situation in which no other outfielders are needed. If the Astros acquire a lefty bat and Brett Wallace wins the first base job, said lefty and Jason Michaels would be the bench.

But more likely, the team will be left with a vacancy. It could be a lefty vacancy if Lee is in left and Michaels on the bench. Or it could be just a vacancy if there is a platoon situation in left field.

Last year, the spot was occupied by Jason Bourgeois, who would definitely be a candidate.

His advantage would be strong center field defense, which is a question mark for the others. He also has the most major league experience and the speed to be a pinch-runner late in games. However, on a team without much in the way of power, he is pretty much a known quantity in that department and not in the right way.

The Astros also got a brief look at Brian Bogusevic at the end of last year, and Bogusevic could grab the spot if they want a left-handed hitter. His story is fairly well known as a former first-round pick as a pitcher, who sputtered in the minors and had an impressive renaissance as a hitter.

He would be able to provide a little more pop than Bourgeois and bring some speed as well. But while he has played some center field, he has less defensive value and is most likely a corner man.

Bogusevic in 2010 MLB: 19 G, .179/.258/.286, 0 HR, 1/2 in SB

Bogusevic in 2010 AAA: 131 G, .277/.364/.414, 13 HR, 23/24 in SB

Bogusevic in winter ball: None. Had foot surgery and is expected to be ready for spring training.

J.B. Shuck is a longshot. He’s not on the 40-man roster, but there is no reason for him to be as the product of the 2008 draft still has a full season before Rule 5 draft exposure would kick in.

He is a left-handed hitter who hasn’t made his major league debut but saw a good number of cameos with the big club in 2010 spring training and could get more this year if not an invitation like pre-protection prospects Jason Castro and Chia-Jen Lo got last year.

Positionally, he has played some center field and some left field. He’s a very solid hitter for average but has hit just seven home runs in three years in the minors.